Issues > May/June 2007 (#120) > DIY Household Cleaners

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about PAUL MCRANDLE

Paul McRandle is National Geograhic Green Guide's Deputy Editor.

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Cleaner Recipes in this Article

Whole House
All-Purpose Cleaner
Floors
Furniture Polish
Glass and Surfaces
Metal Polish

Bathroom
Toilet Bowl
Tub and Tile

Kitchen
Countertops
Dishwashing
Drains
Oven
Stovetop and Oven Grease Remover

Laundry Room
Laundry Detergent
Bleach Alternative

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Photo: DIY Household Cleaners

WHOLE HOUSE

All-Purpose Cleaner
1/2 cup borax
1 gallon hot water

Mix in pail (or use smaller amounts in a spray bottle: 1/8 cup borax to 1 quart of hot water) dissolving the borax completely; wipe clean with rag.

Floors

Wood
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Linoleum
1 cup white vinegar
2 gallons warm water

Mix in mop bucket, rinse afterwards.

Furniture Polish
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil

Mix and apply with a clean rag to dust and polish. Reduce the olive oil if wood looks too oily.

Metal Polish

Copper and Brass
2 Tbsps salt
White vinegar

Add vinegar to salt until you've created a paste. Adding flour will reduce abrasiveness. Apply with a rag and rub clean.

Stainless Steel
Baking soda
White vinegar

Apply baking soda with a damp cloth, using the vinegar to eliminate spots.

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Filed under: Cleaning supplies, Cleaning products, Indoor air quality, Green living

For Your Home | posted May 3, 2007